Turkey remains deeply engaged in consolidating its position in war-torn Syria, a development that displeases both internal and external actors. Is Erdoğan prepared to compromise, or does he believe in achieving a complete victory?

Israel, another active participant in efforts to topple Assad’s regime, aims to neutralise the Syrian transit of Iranian weapons to Lebanon, dismantle Hezbollah bases, deepen intra-Islamic divisions between Sunnis and Shia (including Alawites), and legitimise the occupation of the Golan Heights while extending Israel’s secure borders.

Turkey’s Success and Its Plans in Syria

Turkey’s achievements in Syria have positioned it to advance its strategic objectives:

– installing pro-Turkish forces in power, represented by Sunni radicals such as HTS* leader Muhammad al-Jolani, in alliance with Turkmen factions from the SNA.

– satisfying US and Israeli interests by weakening and dislodging Shia-dominated Iranian influence in Syria.

– militarily and politically suppressing Kurdish resistance by targeting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the local People’s Defense Units (YPG).

– establishing a 30-kilometre “buffer security zone” in northwestern Syrian provinces, coupled with ethnic cleansing, replacing Kurdish populations with Turkmen and Sunni Arabs.

– forming a 300,000-strong Syrian army under Turkish and HTS* control to guarantee Ankara’s political, economic, and military interests in Syria.

– advancing lucrative economic projects, such as a Qatari gas pipeline through Syria to Turkey and Europe.

– gaining control over key international transit routes through Syria.

– facilitating the return of 3 million Syrian refugees from Turkey, thereby reducing Ankara’s budgetary burden and expanding its pro-Turkish electorate.

Erdoğan has demonstrated his ability to bide his time, play multiple sides, and portray himself as a “reliable friend”. He has........

© New Eastern Outlook